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Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4 from 13 reviews

This Air Fryer Chicken Thighs recipe offers a quick and flavorful way to enjoy juicy, crispy chicken with a smoky, slightly spicy seasoning blend. Using the air fryer ensures perfectly cooked thighs with a crisp skin without the need for deep frying, making it a healthier and convenient meal option ready in just 25 minutes.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Spices & Seasoning

  • 1 Tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp dried oregano
  • ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper

Chicken & Oil

  • 4 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on (about 2.25 lbs.)
  • 1 Tbsp cooking oil

Instructions

  1. Mix the Seasoning: In a small bowl, thoroughly combine cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to create a flavorful seasoning blend.
  2. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400ºF and allow it to come to temperature while you prepare the chicken. Meanwhile, pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure skin crispiness during cooking.
  3. Season the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl, drizzle with cooking oil, then sprinkle the seasoning mixture over them. Toss well to evenly coat all pieces with oil and spices for maximum flavor and crisp skin.
  4. First Air Fry: Arrange the chicken thighs skin side up in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd. Cook for 10 minutes to start rendering the fat and crisping the skin.
  5. Flip and Continue Cooking: Flip each thigh so the skin side is down and cook for an additional 8 minutes to cook through evenly.
  6. Final Crisp: Flip the chicken pieces one last time, skin side up, and air fry for an additional 2 minutes to achieve a perfect crispy skin finish.
  7. Check Temperature and Serve: Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature has reached at least 165ºF for safe consumption. If not, cook for 1-2 minutes more. Serve the chicken thighs hot with your favorite simple sides and enjoy!

Notes

  • Patting the chicken dry before seasoning helps achieve the crispiest skin.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crisping.
  • If you prefer less spice, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF for food safety.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated maintaining crispness using the air fryer.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://monicarecipes.com/air-fryer-chicken-thighs-recipe/